Why choose a fabric roof system?

Alongside glassrooms, we also offer a range of products called fabric roof systems. We offer a broad range of these products each with their own unique benefits. The one common benefit to these systems however is the ability to retract the roof when required, created a greater airflow and a truly unique feel to the outdoor space. When the roof is fully or partially extended, it allows a convenient and easy way to create shade, whilst not losing the "outdoor" feeling these systems give you.

Designed to be used all year, they are capable of withstanding wind and rain (and in some cases snow). All of our systems can withstand rainwater and many have their own ways of dealing it, from directing the water to the sides to having integrated drainage systems to take the water down the supporting posts and onto the ground. Whilst many of these systems come with exposed sides as standard, many of them really come into their own when they have one or more of the sides in, to truly create the feel of an outdoor room. This can often be done in a variety of ways, from fabric screens, to sliding glass doors, to fixed glazing.

All of the roof systems are electrically operated as standard and can be operated in a variety of ways, from simple wall switches or remote controls, to sun, wind, and rain sensors or even home automation systems. They are also available with both heating and lighting options in order to extend the amount of time you can spend using these systems.

They are also available as either a "lean to" system, or an "island" or freestanding system. A lean to system is secured to a pre-existing wall or structure, whilst an island system is able to support itself. Most products can be either of these, however certain systems, such as the Pergotex, are better suited to one than another.

Finding the Right Design

Starting with systems such as the Gibus Isola Fly, we have a broad range of options. The Isola Fly is a multi-purpose terrace cover that consists of a sleek and minimalist framework that is available in a choice of five colours, and a PVC fabric roof. The slim framework unfortunately does not allow room for integral guttering systems, however due to the innovative water proof fly fabric it is not an issue, as the design of the fabric allows water to run off the sides.

This system does not have sides that can be filled in using glass, as it is designed to be open, however it can be easily set up against walls, and used to fill small gaps making it a very useful system.

We also have designs such as the Weinor Pergotex, which combines a modular aluminium framework with a folding fabric roof system. Capable of withstanding wind, heavy rain and even snow, this is a truly all-weather system. Available in single sizes up to seven metres wide, with a maximum projection of six and a half metres, they can also be coupled to make larger units, or bolted back to back. Whilst this system is designed to be fixed to an existing wall or structure, it is possible to use a goalpost style framework to create a stand alone system.

Water is dealt with efficiently, as the inclination of the roof directs the rainwater to a front-mounted guttering system which takes the water away through integratred drainage pipes in the support posts. The sides and front of these systems can be filled in through a variety of methods, with the choice of vertical zip blinds, retractable fabric screens, sliding glass doors or fixed glazing sections, which truly creates the feel of a fabric rooved glassroom. This protects you from the elements and due to the modular nature of the system, you can choose to add or change these later if needed.

Finally we also have systems such as the Gibus Med Room, an outdoor terrace cover or outdoor room that offers almost year round weather protection. The main framework is made of aluminium and the roof from a retractable fabric, which either encourages water to the sides of a sloping cover, or is a fully enclosed fabric system where the rainwater is channelled into the integrated guttering system, directing the water down the supporting legs, draining out at ground level.

There are three basic types of retractable fabric roof systems for the Med Room: the Fly, Plana, and Maki. The differences in the fabric provide different levels of protection depending on their use, and each of the systems will end up protected underneath an aluminium section to protect from the elements. All open sides of the Med Room can be enclosed through various methods, from glazed sections and glass windows to blinds and fabric. Similar to the Pergotex, if a sloped roof was requested, a trapezium infill section will be required to square off the section.

Application

The fabric roof systems here come in many different shapes and sizes, for both domestic and commercial applications, and the extra space created in a short space of time with minimal building work means they can be one of the most economical ways to create truly stunning outdoor/indoor areas with defined boundaries. An extension of an existing room or rooms in a building to create a more enclosed and protected space, one that is still filled with light and a feeling of openness, with the glass and fabric used.

We would suggest a fabric roof system for anyone wanting to spend more time outside and would like the added comfort of a cover system, but with the comfort of the indoors. For commercial premises they will generally offer a very easy way of creating additional covered space to provide customers with more space and ultimately more revenue in additional seating, whilst also creating a truly unique dining experience during the summer.

It is a truly flexible group of systems with a myriad of applications, suited to both domestic and commercial usage.